Conflict between sea-kayakers and motorised watercraft users along the Abel Tasman National Park coastline, New Zealand

Abstract

The Abel Tasman National Park coastline is a mecca for water–based recreationists. Its golden beaches and clear water attract many thousands of visitors to the region each year. The area has witnessed many changes over the years, most notably a rapid increase in the number and size of commercial sea–kayak companies operating along the coastline. This growth has been paralleled by an increase in the number of independent sea–kayakers, a steady increase in the number of motorboat users and the introduction of jet–skiers along the coastline. Such use has resulted in increasing problems of crowding and conflict in the area. This study responds to a research gap identified by Cessford (1998) in a report on visitors to the Abel Tasman National Park. He found that 53% of sea–kayakers were disturbed on the water by motorboats and stated that further research should focus on the conflict between the two groups. As jet–skiers are an emerging user group along the coastline, they were added to this study. Thus, this study examines conflict between sea–kayakers and motorised watercraft users (motorboaters and jet–skiers).